Students practice shooting during a class with Southern Belle Firearms Training. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Kristi Collins believes every woman should understand how to protect herself by knowing the correct way to handle a gun.

Collins has founded Southern Belle Firearms Training LLC. She is one of only a few female instructors in the Southeast certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Last summer in Arizona, Collins completed training at The Well Armed Woman, a leading company in women’s firearms training, merchandise and education.

“I had done several of years of shooting and training with my father, who is retired special ops, prior to the training through The Well Armed Woman and NRA,” she said.

“I have a passion to help women come to the realization and understanding that they can protect themselves, no matter the situation they are presented or their lifestyle,” Collins said. “There are so many options for self protection that I feel that everyone can find something that will work for them.”

Collins is certified to teach several NRA-based classes: “Refuse to Be a Victim;” “Eddie Eagle” children’s gun safety, “Basic Pistol First Steps” that does not involve shooting and “Basic Pistol and Personal Protection in the Home.”

She feels the area has a need for proper training and safety. Currently, she conducts classes in the Somerville area, about 20 minutes south of Huntsville.

She offers private lessons and individual consultations for family home assessments. Collins will shop with clients and identify the most appropriate equipment.

Her husband Adam works as an electrical engineer. Their daughter Elizabeth is three months old.

Kristi has lived in Madison since she and Adam married in 2009. “My husband has lived in the Huntsville area his whole life and in Madison since he has lived on his own since college,” she said.

For more information, call 256-479-6738, email to kristi@southernbellefirearmstraining.com or visit southernbellefirearmstraining.com or Facebook/SouthernBelleFirearmsTraining.